Trailer Skills

This course provides the knowledge and practical skills necessary to tow a trailer safely and with confidence. It provides lots of practical advice and plenty of time to practice on the road. It is of particular benefit to service and construction sectors whose fleets often utilise trailers.

Who will benefit?

• Companies in support of their road risk strategy and to promote good safety and welfare practices for employees
• Companies who utilise trailers as part of there fleet in order to transport goods and plant

Objectives of the course:

• To provide advice and guidance on how to reduce the risk of accidents when towing
• Provide the optimum skill level in reversing and manoeuvring
• Demonstrate and develop a systematic approach to hazards
• Familiarisation with terms associated with the type of vehicle
• Teach aspects of the law regarding trailers

What’s covered?

• Brief theory session covering the principals of relevant driving theory and the Highway Code
• Pre-drive checks to ensure the vehicle and trailer are roadworthy and the functions are familiar to the driver
• Familiarisation with terms such as jockey wheel, nose weight, overrun brakes, corner steady and break away cable
• Weights and loading
• Instability and its main causes
• Sensible loading and how to apportion it
• Coupling and uncoupling procedures
• Individual driving assessment providing constructive advice and encouragement
• Discussion of learning points and key areas for development/practice
• Manoeuvring to the left and the right
• Effective observation
• Short drives to familiarise with weight and size of unit
• Debrief, assessment report and certificate

Duration: 1 day

Ratio: 1:1/ 1:2 pupils/trainer

Venue: Courses available throughout the UK

Vehicle: Clients’ own. In certain circumstances a MAC vehicle and trailer may be provided.